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-   -   XP Validation (http://www.pcbanter.net/showthread.php?t=1102634)

freeman December 29th 17 12:32 AM

XP Validation
 
Months after purchasing a XP Pro refurbished laptop I am getting a * in
the tray and wanting to validate. I have used every day for hours.

I tried all the options and they all failed that are presented from the
menu at the * in the tray.

Several of the webpages that get opened are blank.

The main webpage with two options to validate opens ok but both options
fail. Files get downloaded but do not run.

There is a MS tag on the bottom of the laptop.

How do I tell what the tag represents ?

What to do to validate ?

Where do I look in Windows to get the product key ?

Sjouke Burry[_2_] December 29th 17 12:58 AM

XP Validation
 
On 29-12-2017 0:32, FreeMan wrote:
Months after purchasing a XP Pro refurbished laptop I am getting a * in
the tray and wanting to validate. I have used every day for hours.

I tried all the options and they all failed that are presented from the
menu at the * in the tray.

Several of the webpages that get opened are blank.

The main webpage with two options to validate opens ok but both options
fail. Files get downloaded but do not run.

There is a MS tag on the bottom of the laptop.

How do I tell what the tag represents ?

What to do to validate ?

Where do I look in Windows to get the product key ?

You dont. Not in a legsl way.
You have an illegal copy of xp.
And only illegal ways of activating it.

Paul[_32_] December 29th 17 01:09 AM

XP Validation
 
FreeMan wrote:
Months after purchasing a XP Pro refurbished laptop I am getting a * in
the tray and wanting to validate. I have used every day for hours.

I tried all the options and they all failed that are presented from the
menu at the * in the tray.

Several of the webpages that get opened are blank.

The main webpage with two options to validate opens ok but both options
fail. Files get downloaded but do not run.

There is a MS tag on the bottom of the laptop.

How do I tell what the tag represents ?

What to do to validate ?

Where do I look in Windows to get the product key ?


If IE6 isn't working properly with some Microsoft feature
like this, you can install IE8. That's in case something
"ActiveX" or otherwise, has a problem with the older browser
for some reason. I seem to remember at least one occasion,
where I had to use IE8 for something activation-related.

You can use "mgadiag.exe" to get information about your activation state.

http://forum.thewindowsclub.com/wind...diag-tool.html

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=203456 === click, and download starts...

The download is from the Microsoft site.

*******

There are several license keys at play here.

1) When Dell ships a WinXP era laptop, the BIOS has a SLIC table,
and all the C: drives have the same Dell license key number.
So that isn't a unique identifier. You cannot take that license
key to a friends house and install WinXP with it. The key, in
a vacuum, is useless. It's the SLIC table that says "I'm a Dell"
and authorizes use of the OS.

2) When a COA sticker is placed on the Dell, that license key is
a unique value. And it's *not* the same key as the one on the
hard drive when you get the machine. The COA sticker key doesn't
use SLIC, and is closer to the kind of key that would come in
a retail box.

The activation server knows what it is, and you'll need to use
telephone activation confirmation to use the key. So it's not as
"high class" a key as a Retail key would be.

The COA key is suitable for installing using a
"regular" WinXP CD of the same trim level. If the laptop
came with Home, the COA sticker would be Home too, your retail
reinstall CD should be Home as well.

3) When an "official refurbisher" like Joy Systems processes a
machine, they're required to remove the Dell OS or any other
OS found, and replace the content of the C drive with
yet another OEM OS. This is the "OEM Refurbisher" version.
The license key might be unique (as there'd be no easy way
to rig up SLIC activation). In such a case, the COA sticker,
if freshly applied, could be for the Refurbisher version.
There's no reason to apply a COA sticker, unless the info
on it has some value (to someone). They're not intended to be
decorative, and are a communication between what passes for
the hardware manufacturer, and the end user.

The refurbisher OS does not have to match the original Dell version.
Windows 7 machines at Joy Systems, ship with Win10 on them now :-(
It's the only refurb Windows valid for usage now. The COA sticker
information should match what Joy Systems installed on the C: drive.

If the hard drive is destroyed or breaks, it's that COA sticker
that provides a key for a fresh installation on a new hard drive.
That's the theory.

I can't promise you what MGADiag is going to show. I don't know
a thing about reading MGADiag output. There is a user-to-user
forum on microsoft.com, where there are some people who can
"pronounce" what the problem is, pirate or whatever. Always be
careful to read the intro article to such forums, to determine
what fields of MGAdiag should not be shared in the forum.
That's if you prefer to get your advice from a group like that.

There is *no* web page at Microsoft, where you type in a license
key and it tells you it's valid. Hackers would love if such
a thing existed. Microsoft has to be coy with that sort of
information.

Microsoft is supposed to provide free support for
activation issues. And one of the things they'll want is
MGAdiag info. If you (somehow, mysteriously) got pirate
software on there, they'll offer a "deal" for a valid
OS copy, as well as take details as to where you bought
the machine. I doubt there is anything wrong with the machine,
and a regular activation process should fix it. If the machine
was returned by another customer, then something done at
that point might have broken it. For example, Staples sells
Joy Systems machines, and perhaps a returned machines would
go back to a Staples warehouse and not be properly reformatted
after a customer has fiddled with it. I don't know if
Staples drop-ships these, or caches a few in their
own warehouse. It would be better if the refurbisher
handles everything.

Paul

Mayayana December 29th 17 03:04 AM

XP Validation
 
"FreeMan" wrote

|
| Where do I look in Windows to get the product key ?

There's a free program named Produkey that's handy
to have. If the system was activated with a valid key
it should tell you. But there could be variables. If it's
OEM it shouldn't need to activate. Did it come with a
backup? A hidden partition for restore? If so you might try
restoring the system.

It's hard to tell from your description, but I wonder
if the system is just messed up.

I think these days you have to call MS to get XP activated.
Way back when, when they imposed this activation scam,
the word was that they'd "probably" release a universal key
when XP support ended. But they still haven't. At the time
they probably assumed that no one would want XP by now,
and never dreamed that more people would want their
17 year old system than want their new one. To release
a key could result in an embarassing XP resurgence.



Diesel December 29th 17 06:53 AM

XP Validation
 
FreeMan
Thu, 28 Dec 2017 23:32:06
GMT in alt.windows7.general, wrote:

Months after purchasing a XP Pro refurbished laptop I am getting a
* in the tray and wanting to validate. I have used every day for
hours.

I tried all the options and they all failed that are presented
from the menu at the * in the tray.

Several of the webpages that get opened are blank.


You have a couple of options...You can continue trying via the
browser method, but, you need to update ie6 to atleast sp1 or, go
with ie8.

Alternatively, you can try this from console to bring up the
activation window I described above and go from there. Keep in mind,
it renders in html, so if your copy of ie is foobared, this may not
work. Each line requires you to press enter after it, naturally.

open cmd.exe via start/run
cd\windows\system32\oobe
msoobe /a

Of the options presented, online activation probably isn't going to
work. Most likely you will be calling MS via a phone number it'll
provide you. read the 'codes' it presents and when finished, assuming
it accepts them all, it'll give you back more codes to enter into the
boxes. Once you do, you'll be re-activated. If that doesn't work,
you'll be speaking to an MS representative. If they believe you that
the key is legit, they *might* give you corresponding codes as
described above to complete the process. And, if they don't... well,
you might be offered a discount on a later legal copy of windows.

Keep in mind, your machine may not be all that pleased with a later
copy of Windows. So, you have other options now. Switch to a more
recent hardware wise computer that's probably going to come with a
newer version of Windows.. OR, keep the machine you have and take the
plunge into the world of Linux.

Wait, I lied. There's actually another option, but, it's not exactly
a legal one. That is, if you really want to keep XP pro. You'll have
to reinstall it, from scratch though. Reinstalling, VLK edition with
a known good key. This obviously requires you finding a vlk edition
iso and a good key. A generous soul might provide both, but, not via
this medium. As, I said, this route isn't legal in your case.

Oh drat, I forgot about another possible option. You'll have to do
your own homework/searching for it, but, there's a program out there
that can trick it into thinking it's activated. I personally wouldn't
recommend this manner of activation as, well, it's a bandaid approach
on a good day.

Good luck!






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Java Jive December 29th 17 02:41 PM

XP Validation
 
On 29/12/2017 05:53, Diesel wrote:

You have a couple of options...You can continue trying via the
browser method, but, you need to update ie6 to atleast sp1 or, go
with ie8.

Alternatively, you can try this from console to bring up the
activation window I described above and go from there. Keep in mind,
it renders in html, so if your copy of ie is foobared, this may not
work. Each line requires you to press enter after it, naturally.

open cmd.exe via start/run
cd\windows\system32\oobe
msoobe /a

Of the options presented, online activation probably isn't going to
work.


It depends whether the key is really legit. I activated a laptop with
XP earlier this year.

Most likely you will be calling MS via a phone number it'll
provide you. read the 'codes' it presents and when finished, assuming
it accepts them all, it'll give you back more codes to enter into the
boxes. Once you do, you'll be re-activated. If that doesn't work,
you'll be speaking to an MS representative. If they believe you that
the key is legit, they *might* give you corresponding codes as
described above to complete the process. And, if they don't... well,
you might be offered a discount on a later legal copy of windows.

Keep in mind, your machine may not be all that pleased with a later
copy of Windows. So, you have other options now. Switch to a more
recent hardware wise computer that's probably going to come with a
newer version of Windows.. OR, keep the machine you have and take the
plunge into the world of Linux.


Yes.

Wait, I lied. There's actually another option, but, it's not exactly
a legal one. That is, if you really want to keep XP pro. You'll have
to reinstall it, from scratch though.


No, not really viable, as the rebuilt installation will not get any
updates, not even the ones originally targeting XP.

Oh drat, I forgot about another possible option. You'll have to do
your own homework/searching for it, but, there's a program out there
that can trick it into thinking it's activated. I personally wouldn't
recommend this manner of activation as, well, it's a bandaid approach
on a good day.


Or ...

On 28/12/2017 23:32, FreeMan wrote:

Where do I look in Windows to get the product key ?


Buy via eBay a for-spares-or-repairs PC or component from a similar
model and identical make of PC that has a valid, already activated
product key but for which the original PC is known to be dead and has
not been used for quite a while. For example, many Dell laptops have
their XP and Vista Product Keys on a cover of a compartment on the base,
for which I suspect you could just buy the cover for a few dollars or
quid. You may have to try two or three before you get one that works.

The laptop I activated earlier this year was part of a test I ran, not
originally intended for actual use, but as it happens I reloaded that
image a few days ago to see what would happen, and it's still activated.

FreeMan December 29th 17 06:21 PM

XP Validation
 

I have a MS Universal License so I can just use that.

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FreeMan December 29th 17 06:22 PM

XP Validation
 
Still no one has said what will happen if I do not validate.

What are the limitations of use ?

So far I see no limitations.


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J. P. Gilliver (John)[_4_] December 29th 17 06:58 PM

XP Validation
 
In message , Java Jive
writes:
[]
The laptop I activated earlier this year was part of a test I ran, not
originally intended for actual use, but as it happens I reloaded that
image a few days ago to see what would happen, and it's still activated.


Do you mean you reloaded it to the machine it was originally on, or to a
different machine? If the original, I wouldn't expect it to be other
than still activated - I've not heard of activations "going bad", nor of
machines checking to see whether they're bad, unless you're still doing
updates. (Which I suppose I am - I installed the POS hack here, on this
legal - OEM - machine, but I haven't noticed any updates even from that
source for months, possibly longer.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

"One of my dearest memories is playing the leader of a gang of gay Hell's
Angels
thundering across the Golden Gate bridge on a motorbike in fog, wearing full
Nazi regalia with a young man in a purple dress on the pillion petrified we'd
crash into the bay." Christopher Lee (1997). ["It was in _The Serial_."]

Mayayana December 29th 17 07:14 PM

XP Validation
 
"FreeMan" wrote

| Still no one has said what will happen if I do not validate.
|

Look it up. People were spending the time to answer
because we assumed you needed help. Now it turns
out you have an enterprise key but just can't be
bothered to look up the details of activation?




pjp[_10_] December 29th 17 09:31 PM

XP Validation
 
In article ,
says...

Still no one has said what will happen if I do not validate.

What are the limitations of use ?

So far I see no limitations.


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I think some functionality gets lost and annoying pop-ups appear if you
don't get it validated but I've never had that happen.

BTW - Seems to me I've used the same key on more than one installation
at some point and both were accepted and worked properly with pc being
activated and all. I've also saved old pc's keys before throwing box
away. I've got a little pile of unused XP keys here for various flavors
of Windows, keep them in a box somewhere ... hmmm :)

freeman December 30th 17 02:26 AM

XP Validation
 
Today I started my laptop and there is no mention of Validation required.

What's up ?


Paul[_32_] December 30th 17 12:16 PM

XP Validation
 
FreeMan wrote:
Today I started my laptop and there is no mention of Validation required.

What's up ?


As a Leet Haxor, you've probably already looked up
what KMS and VLK are, what server one of those
contacts every X months to re-validate. And so on...

And to find out about that stuff, you must already be
a member of the (appropriate) forum :-/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volume_licensing

Your box contacted the "thing" mentioned in the
last paragraph of the article.

Paul

Java Jive December 30th 17 01:25 PM

XP Validation
 
On 29/12/2017 17:58, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

Do you mean you reloaded it to the machine it was originally on, or to a
different machine? If the original, I wouldn't expect it to be other
than still activated - I've not heard of activations "going bad", nor of
machines checking to see whether they're bad, unless you're still doing
updates.


I reloaded it back onto the same machine. I did it to see if it had
'gone bad', in the manner of the OP's, but, as I posted above, it seems
fine, so I don't know what went wrong with the OP's.



Diesel January 2nd 18 03:01 AM

XP Validation
 
Java Jive
Fri, 29 Dec 2017 13:41:35 GMT in alt.windows7.general, wrote:

On 29/12/2017 05:53, Diesel wrote:

You have a couple of options...You can continue trying via the
browser method, but, you need to update ie6 to atleast sp1 or, go
with ie8.

Alternatively, you can try this from console to bring up the
activation window I described above and go from there. Keep in
mind, it renders in html, so if your copy of ie is foobared, this
may not work. Each line requires you to press enter after it,
naturally.

open cmd.exe via start/run
cd\windows\system32\oobe
msoobe /a

Of the options presented, online activation probably isn't going
to work.


It depends whether the key is really legit. I activated a laptop
with XP earlier this year.


Well, it's a little more complicated than that, actually. There's
several types of legit keys and they won't all activate these days
with the simple online activation option. A completely legit key can
still fail to be accepted using that method. Been there, done it,
many times.

Most likely you will be calling MS via a phone number it'll
provide you. read the 'codes' it presents and when finished,
assuming it accepts them all, it'll give you back more codes to
enter into the boxes. Once you do, you'll be re-activated. If
that doesn't work, you'll be speaking to an MS representative. If
they believe you that the key is legit, they *might* give you
corresponding codes as described above to complete the process.
And, if they don't... well, you might be offered a discount on a
later legal copy of windows.

Keep in mind, your machine may not be all that pleased with a
later copy of Windows. So, you have other options now. Switch to
a more recent hardware wise computer that's probably going to
come with a newer version of Windows.. OR, keep the machine you
have and take the plunge into the world of Linux.


Yes.


Is there an echo in here?

Wait, I lied. There's actually another option, but, it's not
exactly a legal one. That is, if you really want to keep XP pro.
You'll have to reinstall it, from scratch though.


No, not really viable, as the rebuilt installation will not get
any updates, not even the ones originally targeting XP.


Wrong answer. You've evidently never heard of WSUS. You might want to
google a bit about it. You can get *ALL* updates available for
Windows XP upto the point where MS stopped offering them. I did,
infact. Saved the resulting .ISO too. Makes reloading XP if I choose
to do so a much simpler and quicker process.

Oh drat, I forgot about another possible option. You'll have to
do your own homework/searching for it, but, there's a program out
there that can trick it into thinking it's activated. I
personally wouldn't recommend this manner of activation as, well,
it's a bandaid approach on a good day.


Or ...

On 28/12/2017 23:32, FreeMan wrote:

Where do I look in Windows to get the product key ?


Buy via eBay a for-spares-or-repairs PC or component from a
similar model and identical make of PC that has a valid, already
activated product key but for which the original PC is known to be
dead and has not been used for quite a while. For example, many
Dell laptops have their XP and Vista Product Keys on a cover of a
compartment on the base, for which I suspect you could just buy
the cover for a few dollars or quid. You may have to try two or
three before you get one that works.


That product key isn't the one that was used to install Windows on
the machine, though. And, the key may/may not be accepted by
Microsoft, especially if it's been used before or used a certain
amount of times already by others who followed the same poorly
thought out advice you offered.

The laptop I activated earlier this year was part of a test I ran,
not originally intended for actual use, but as it happens I
reloaded that image a few days ago to see what would happen, and
it's still activated.


Why wouldn't it be? Did you expect it to magically deactivate or
something?




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